Hydrogenated Castor Oil Formulation for Used Cooking Oil Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposal of used cooking oil or grease is messy, time-consuming, and can lead to clogging, hygiene issues, and equipment cleaning challenges.
Innovation Solution
A formulation using hydrogenated castor oil with a melting point of 70-80°C and density of 0.7-1.0 g/L is created by heating castor oil with a catalyst, followed by treatment with a base and acid to form a solidifying agent, which is mixed with used cooking oil at elevated temperatures and allowed to cool for disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If used cooking oil or grease is disposed down the sink, then the disposal process is simple, but drain clogging occurs that is difficult to clean up or fix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of used cooking oil from liquid to solid by adding a solidifying agent. This transformation prevents the oil from flowing into drains and causing clogs, while still allowing for simple disposal through the trash system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful property of used cooking oil (its ability to clog drains when liquid) into a beneficial property (solid form that can be easily disposed of in trash). The solidifying agent transforms the problematic liquid state into a manageable solid state for disposal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If used cooking oil or grease is filled in jars or tubs for disposal, then drain clogging is prevented, but the process becomes tedious and costly with potential for broken containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable solidifying agent that is mixed directly with the used cooking oil in its container of origin. This eliminates the need for reusable jars or tubs, reducing costs and eliminating the risk of broken containers while maintaining effective drain protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solidifying agent performs the entire function of solidification and disposal preparation in a single step, eliminating the need for separate containment containers. The agent works directly with the oil in its original container, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating additional disposal steps.
3Ease of operation
If used cooking oil or grease is poured directly into trash, then disposal is quick and simple, but flies or other undesirable insects and animals are attracted that negatively affect hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of used cooking oil from liquid to solid, which fundamentally alters its attractiveness to insects and animals. The solidified form is not appealing to these creatures, thereby maintaining quick disposal in trash while eliminating hygiene problems.
4Productivity
If greasy drippings collected in equipment parts are disposed of, then the equipment can be reused, but the process is messy and time consuming requiring cooling down and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the solidifying agent to the greasy drippings immediately after collection, before any cooling is required. This preliminary solidification action transforms the messy liquid grease into a manageable solid form that can be easily removed and disposed of, eliminating the need for prolonged cooling and extensive cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of greasy drippings from liquid to solid, which fundamentally alters their handling properties. The solidified grease can be easily scraped or removed from equipment surfaces without requiring complete cooling or complex cleaning procedures, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining equipment reuse capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Transforms used cooking oil into a gelatinous solid for easy disposal, reducing mess and hygiene risks, and simplifying the disposal process.
Implementation Method 1
heating castor oil in the presence of a catalyst until at least some of the ricinoleic acid content in the castor oil is reduced to form hydrogenated castor oil
Implementation Method 2
heating castor oil in the presence of a catalyst until at least some of the ricinoleic acid content in the castor oil is reduced to form hydrogenated castor oil
Implementation Method 3
mixing the formulation and used cooking oil or grease at an elevated temperature until the formulation completely dissolves into the used cooking oil to form a formulation mixture, and waiting until the formulation mixture cools and solidifies
Data Source
AI summary
A formulation for solidifying used cooking oil or grease and methods of making and using the same is disclosed. The formulation comprises hydrogenated castor oil, sometimes having a flake morphology. In some embodiments, the formulation has a melting point of between 70 and 80° C. and a density between 0.7 and 1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the formulation is created by heating castor oil in the presence of a catalyst until at least some of the ricinoleic acid content in the castor oil is reduced to form hydrogenated castor oil in a reaction mixture. The method of using the formulation comprises the steps of mixing the formulation and used cooking oil or grease at an elevated temperature until the formulation completely dissolves into the used cooking oil to form a formulation mixture, and waiting until the formulation mixture cools and solidifies prior to disposal.